Chamber resolves trademark issue

After making national headlines for being able to trademark the name Haliburton, Minden resident Michael Stinson has decided to transfer the trademark to the County of Haliburton.

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce brokered the deal on Wednesday.

“We’re very proud that this was brought to us, because it was a business situation,” said chamber president Richard Wannan in an interview.

During a county council meeting on July 26, Dysart Reeve Murray Fearrey told his colleagues that businesses in his municipality have been “harassed” because of the trademark. The county then contacted MP Jamie Schmale, who reached out to the Honourable Navdeeo Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, in an attempt to cancel the trademark.

According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), you cannot register “words that represent a geographical location commonly known to be the place of origin of such goods or services.” A trademark is valid for 15 years.

A couple of member businesses contacted the chamber office to express concerns about the trademark, said Wannan. In speaking to county CAO Mike Rutter, he suggested the chamber would have a conversation with Stinson to see if they could resolve the issue.

“I always believed it was something that could be fixed,” he said.

Some news articles indicated the chamber told the county its members were being harassed or advised they’d have to pay royalties. But that’s incorrect, according to Wannan.

“Autumn (Wilson, chamber manager) did her due diligence and spoke to five individuals who have spoken with Michael and not one stated they have been asked for royalties whatsoever,” he said, adding “we never said that and he never said that.”

Stinson told The Highlander everything was blown out of proportion.

“It’s unfortunate that people jumped to conclusions and it all started from rumours,” he said. “I’m optimistic that this will be resolved very quickly and in the best interests of our community.”

Stinson described statements made about him by county officials as “untrue.” In a letter, he said he hasn’t been harassing stores or asking for money for use of the name.

He said he had the best interests of Haliburton at heart when applying for the trademark. Stinson plans to continue selling products with Haliburton on them through his business, The Haliburton Store, and hopes to be able to work with the county. He has applied to become a member of the chamber.

“My dream of building the Haliburton brand will go even further with the support of the county,” he said, explaining that the transfer “will allow for better marketing opportunities than I ever imagined.”

On Wednesday morning, Wannan, chamber director Bram Lebo and Wilson met with Stinson. The outcome was a letter assigning the trademark to the county.

“We were able to come to a solution that benefits everyone, quickly and without any cost to the county, or a prolonged legal fight.” Lebo said.

County Warden Brent Devolin was happy the matter was resolved in a timely fashion, and thanked Stinson for transferring ownership.

“It’s a great outcome,” he said.

The letter Stinson signed states the county can choose to have the trademark expunged. Council will discuss it at a future council meeting, said Devolin. He plans to make the minister aware of the issue at an upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario convention and to the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

“We will bring this forward so that this doesn’t happen again.”

CIPO didn’t respond to The Highlander for comment when contacted last week.

Editor’s note: Chamber director Bram Lebo is also publisher of The Highlander.

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